Get Plastered for Breast Cancer'

Rural Women New Zealand members get plastered for breast cancer

Rural Women New Zealand is boldly fronting up to breast cancer with an innovative idea to raise awareness of the need for women, especially younger women, to regularly examine themselves and stay alert to any changes in their breasts. Cheekily dubbed 'Let's Get Plastered for Breast Cancer', the campaign is based on a successful RWNZ event held in Golden Bay last year.  Now Rural Women New Zealand is taking the idea nationwide for the International Day of Rural Women on October 15^th , which falls neatly in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "By creating personal plaster casts for art exhibitions around the country, we hope women will be encouraged to take a hands-on approach to monitoring their breasts," says RWNZ National President, Liz Evans.  "Breast screening is still the best tool for diagnosis, but for those outside of the 45-69 year age range covered by the national breast screening programme, self awareness is very important."

There's been a great response to the campaign, particularly from younger women, with over 1,000 breast sculptures going on display all around New Zealand during October.

Profits from the sale of the plastering kits - which can be purchased for $10 from Rural Women New Zealand - will go to The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. If you'd like to know more, or to order a breast plastering kit visit www.ruralwomen.org.nz/.